Juarez, Day 6

Thursday, April 7th

Waking up was a wonderful experience. No work to be done. We had completed the task we had set to do and now we could enjoy a day of relaxation. We started the day by getting ready and driving over the border again, this time to visit the Mexican market. Our students got to haggle with the locals over how much an item was worth and many brought home some great stories. Erin and Sara had a great time too finding great deals at the market. We set a time limit for Pete's sake, he gets to come here almost every time he builds a house and he's content sitting at the doors chilling while the rest of us make several laps around this big market.

After crossing back over the border, we had a good Subway lunch, and we found the Cold Stone Creamery too. Another great treat. The rest of the day was meant for rest, but our students would not have it, no matter how tired the four adults were Matt and I gave in, and gave our wives some much needed peace and quiet and took the kids to the local mall. They walked around, hopefully with a different perspective of what they already have and what others do not have.

We went back to the house to get ready for our annual dinner at a good local Mexican restaraunt in El Paso. We showed up and they gave us a seperate room for our party and proceeded to have a good dinner and some good fellowship. Erin and Sara gave out the awards they had made up for each of the kids, a highlight for them, and the kids think it's fun too. We wrapped it up and headed back to our house for the night.

Thursday night has been our time to really let the kids talk about what they saw and what they experienced during our trip. This year was another success as kids 'got it.' It was good to hear how they wanted to live differently and give of their time more when they got back to ATL. Many of the kids this year seemed to understand the reason we take this trip. Service is a very Godly characteristic that the kids of this next generation need to be taught and I'm very thankful and honored to help them understand it.

Thank you Lord for giving Erin, Sara, Matt and I a task that teaches others about how to serve You and at the same time serve others.